Creating inspiring, energising spaces for teams to collaborate and innovate is critical to a high-performing team's success. Here are 10 attributes to consider when making a great workspace that enables an efficient way of working:
Flexibility: Creative spaces should be adaptable to various uses and activities, allowing for both individual and group work and impromptu meetings and collaboration. This will enable teams to work in a way that best suits their needs and can lead to increased productivity and creativity.
Amenities: The space should include amenities such as natural light, comfortable seating, and access to technology to support the work being done. These amenities can improve employee well-being and comfort, increasing motivation and engagement.
Inspiration: The space should be visually stimulating and inspiring, with elements such as art, plants, and the creative use of colour and texture. This can foster creativity and innovation by providing a visually stimulating environment that encourages new ideas.
Community: The space should foster community and collaboration, with opportunities for social interaction and networking. This can lead to increased teamwork and cooperation, improving overall performance.
Support: The space should have resources and support systems, such as access to experts, training, and mentorship programs. This can help employees develop new skills and advance in their careers, leading to increased motivation and engagement.
Access to knowledge: The space should have access to knowledge resources such as books, papers, articles, and tools that can be used to generate new ideas. This can help employees stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, leading to increased innovation.
Access to nature: The space should connect to nature, whether through natural light, plants, or outdoor spaces, to help people feel more connected and energised. This can improve employee well-being and can lead to increased creativity and productivity.
Wellness-promoting elements: The space should be designed to promote physical and mental well-being through access to natural light, fresh air, greenery, and comfortable seating. This can improve employee well-being and can lead to increased motivation and engagement.
Aesthetics: The space should be visually appealing, with a unique design that reflects the company's culture and values. This helps create a sense of belonging and increases employee satisfaction and motivation.
Privacy: The space should include private workspaces or rooms for employees to work and focus on their tasks. This allows employees to have a quiet and secluded place to focus on their work and can lead to increased productivity.
Final Thoughts
Creative spaces are essential for start-ups because they can help to foster innovation and creativity, which are crucial for success in the competitive start-up environment. Positive impacts of creative spaces on high-performing teams include increased productivity, creativity, employee engagement, and improved teamwork and cooperation. These benefits can help improve overall performance and lead to increased success for the start-up.
About the Author
Adam Ryan is a Professor of Practice (Adjunct Professor) at Monash University and is a principal at Watkins Bay. Adam has over twenty years of start-up experience in Australia and the USA. An expert in Company Structuring for Innovation, Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Capital for early and growth-stage businesses.
Contact Details
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Email adam@watkinsbay.com
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